Computer programming has long been regarded as the niche domain of geeky men with poor social skills. But it’s past time for challenging this stereotype. By 2020, the U.S. workforce will need 1.4 million computer specialists, but universities are on track to graduate about 400,000 computer science majors by then. That’s a deficit of 1 million computer programmers. If developing technological expertise is a national priority, schools need to teach children – of both genders and all backgrounds – to code.
Computer programming evangelists are already providing opportunities for children to learn their trade. Girls Who Code and Black Girls Code provide specialist computer training to girls in after-school programs and workshops. Keen parents can download apps like RoboLogic and LightBot for children as young as four. But relying on nonprofits to do this is a short-term solution, benefitting only a small population. Since high-level computing skills are now required in most workplaces, it’s time to look at curriculum reform. (As a former teacher, this phrase makes me want to run for the hills, but apparently they even have iPads there.)
Computer programming evangelists are already providing opportunities for children to learn their trade. Girls Who Code and Black Girls Code provide specialist computer training to girls in after-school programs and workshops. Keen parents can download apps like RoboLogic and LightBot for children as young as four. But relying on nonprofits to do this is a short-term solution, benefitting only a small population. Since high-level computing skills are now required in most workplaces, it’s time to look at curriculum reform. (As a former teacher, this phrase makes me want to run for the hills, but apparently they even have iPads there.)
RSS Feed